K LINE commenced Proof of Concept with NOKIA in the field of DX for ships
Accelerating safety and quality utilizing high speed communication network
“K” LINE to install IP/MPLS solution with LTE communication proposed by NOKIA as Digital Transformation (DX) solution for ships to our LNG-fueled Pure Car Carrier “CENTURY HIGHWAY GREEN” completed by Tadotsu Shipyard Co., Ltd, the Imabari Shipbuilding Group.
By 4G/LTE Field Area Network (FAN) that provides high speed and secure communications between ship and shore, on-site work of the vessel will be significantly improved using various Digital Technologies when the vessel stays at port in Japan or overseas.
“K” LINE’s aim Satellite communication normally used between ship and shore is said to be 10 years behind of land communication and this is one of the causes of delay for ships digitalization. With the 4G/LTE network, it will be able to communicate more smoothly during berthing, and available the same sophisticated technology on land, which will realize same quality of work environment on land to improve work efficiency on board, available skill sharing for maintenance, safety management.
The Nokia industrial communication solution comprises the Nokia 7705 SAR-Hm (an industrial LTE router installed on ships), and the Nokia 7705 SAR-8 (a headend router in the office onshore). This solution enables “K” LINE to closely monitor loading and unloading in real time and significantly reduce time needed for large file exchange during port calls, greatly improving operation efficiency and industrial safety.
All data is protected by an encrypted communication solution called Network Group Encryption (NGE). NGE protects MPLS services with minimal overhead. This special encryption technology ensures a high level of security and quality of service without any degradation of LTE link performance. While this solution has been deployed in overseas mining sites, electric grids and ports, this is the first introduction in Japan.
In the Management Plan released on last August, “K” LINE declared to expand and accelerate safety, environment, and quality initiatives top in the shipping industry and announced that DX is the important means. This solution is positioned as an DX infrastructure for ship to introduce new advanced digital technologies near future.
